Three points are better than one. It's hard to argue with that logic, but if you take a one-dimensional look at treble hooks, you're missing a lot of opportunity to improve this tool.
For starters, hook maintenance should be obvious, but it's easy to get in a rush and overlook this important task. Keep a hook file handy and touch up those tips after several catches; and if you retrieve a snagged bait, take a moment to inspect all hooks for point damage.
Rust is the constant threat to angling efficiency, so make sure your treble hook baits are completely dry prior to boxing. Certain manufacturers offer tackle containers with rust-inhibiting technologies, but DIY types find that placing silica packets or folded paper towels in tackle tray slots helps remove residual moisture. (Sprinkling a little talcum powder in your trays also helps.)
Along with these maintenance suggestions, consider a few strategies for improving bait performance through treble hook modifications.
Grab and Hold
Beyond the concept of a dangling treble hook improving your chances of snaring a fish, consider how the fish are biting. When they're really "getting" the bait, Mustad's KVD Elite Triple Grip Treble Hooks do a superior job of latching into a fish's mouth and maintaining their position, thanks to the inward-facing points.
However, when the fish are less aggressive — extreme cold or hot conditions, high fishing pressure, slow water in current-driven fisheries — they'll often slap at baits without serious intent. This also occurs during the spawn, when territorial fish are only interested in running off intruders.
Whatever the cause of the fish's lackadaisical behavior, Mustad KVD Elite Round Bend Treble Hooks better serve your objective, as the wider gap and deeper throat allow your bait to grab anything that comes close.
KVD Elite Triple Grip® Treble Hook - 2X Short
KVD Elite Round Bend Treble Hook - 1X Strong
Weight
The reason jerkbaits have cemented an integral role in just about every season of open-water bass fishing is their vulnerability — they mimic a weak, dying or cold-stunned baitfish. Such easy targets are rarely missed, but sink rate is key. Variables are numerous, but sometimes, you want a suspending bait, while other scenarios call for a slow sinker.
A well-stocked lure tray will cover most situations, but say the fish are liking a certain jerkbait model/color, but the bite wanes. It's possible that you simply need to swap a slow-sinking bait for a suspending look. If you're convinced the basic form is correct, simply upsize or downsize your trebles to affect the right presence in the water column.
You can also adjust your bait's sink rate by wrapping lead wire around the treble hook shanks. Yet another idea, upsize your split rings by adding a larger size of Mustad's Stainless Steel Split Ring.
Stainless Split Rings
Dressed Triple Grip® Treble Hook
Color
If fish are short striking your jerkbait or topwater, adding a red treble to the front or middle position can increase hook-up percentages by drawing the focus closer to the bait's body.
Accent
Convince indecisive fish to commit by replacing your bait's standard rear treble with a Mustad Dressed Triple Grip Treble. When the bite is tough, that subtle action and a burst of color can be a real deal closer.